#Japan #Tokyo #Fujifilm Square #Eadweard Muybridge #Animal Locomotion

Unveiling Eadweard Muybridge's Pioneering Art

The Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum is set to host an extraordinary exhibition titled "The Origins of Motion Pictures: Eadweard Muybridge's Animal Locomotion", running from October 1 to December 26, 2025. This free-entry exhibition celebrates the groundbreaking accomplishments of Eadweard Muybridge, a British photographer who, in the late 19th century, forever altered the course of visual arts through his pioneering sequences of motion photography.

A Brief Overview of Muybridge's Work

Eadweard Muybridge, renowned for his innovative work in capturing the motion of animals and humans, published the comprehensive photo collection “Animal Locomotion” in 1887. This monumental portfolio cataloged 781 sets of images demonstrating various motions of animals including horses, dogs, and birds, as well as human activities. His efforts laid the groundwork for modern photography and motion pictures.

In 1872, Muybridge embarked on a quest to capture the image of a galloping horse, a project initiated by Leland Stanford, who wanted to determine if all four hooves of the horse left the ground during a gallop. By 1878, Muybridge succeeded in photographing the horse in motion, brilliantly capturing what had previously been unobserved—a horse with all four legs off the ground at the same time. This momentous achievement had a profound influence and garnered immense attention across Europe and America.

Not only was Muybridge a master of motion photography, but he also invented the Zoopraxiscope in 1879, a device that projected his sequential images in motion. It is widely considered a precursor to modern film projectors and was instrumental in the development of motion pictures, influencing contemporaries like Thomas Edison.

The Exhibition: Highlights

The ongoing exhibition at the Fujifilm Square will display 21 selected sets of Muybridge's sequence photographs meticulously created through photogravure, showcasing the intricate details of animal and human motions. In addition to the photographs, visitors will also have the opportunity to view rare literature, including "The Horse in Motion" published in 1882 and "Le Vol Des Oiseaux" by French physiologist Étienne-Jules Marey—another pioneering figure of motion photography.

The exhibition aims to reflect on how Muybridge's innovative approaches contributed to the evolution of visual media. His works, preserved in various forms, continue to serve as essential resources and references for contemporary animators and filmmakers alike. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the historical significance of these images, which meld scientific inquiry with artistic exploration.

Experience a Landmark in Photography

The Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum is located in Tokyo Midtown, a vibrant cultural hub of Tokyo’s Minato ward. The museum not only hosts this significant exhibition but also retains an extensive collection of antique cameras and historical photographs illustrating the cultural evolution of photography over the past 190 years. The museum's accolades include recognition from the Corporate Meisen Council for promoting arts through community engagement.

This exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression on art enthusiasts, history buffs, and modern creatives. Come and enjoy a unique glimpse into the origins of motion pictures through the lens of one of photography's greatest pioneers. For more details on the exhibition, visit Fujifilm Square’s official site.

Important Information

• - Exhibition Title: The Origins of Motion Pictures: Eadweard Muybridge's Animal Locomotion
• - Exhibition Duration: October 1, 2025 – December 26, 2025, open every day from 10:00 AM to 19:00 PM.
• - Admission Fee: Free
• - Location: Fujifilm Square, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052
• - Contact: +81 3-6271-3350 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

This exhibition stands as a tribute to the ingenuity of Eadweard Muybridge, reminding us of his pivotal role in the history of visual arts, inviting everyone to experience the fascinating world of motion photography.